Q: What can I do if my ex hired a PI to follow me on my private property in Ohio?
I found out that my ex has hired a private investigator to follow me after I moved out, and he has shared clips with me that were taken on my private property. There is a standard restraining order in place for behavior/financial restraint, but nothing specific for safety/proximity. His text messages have been somewhat harassing, attacking, accusing, and cutting. I haven't yet asked my attorney to extend the restraining order for safety/proximity. What rights do I have regarding the PI's files and footage, and how can I protect myself from further intrusion?
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A:
If your ex has hired a private investigator to follow you and gather footage on your private property, this is a serious invasion of your privacy. In Ohio, it is illegal for someone to trespass on private property or to use surveillance in a way that violates your reasonable expectation of privacy. The footage that was taken could potentially be evidence of harassment, and you should discuss this with your attorney.
You have the right to ask your attorney to request an extension or modification of the restraining order to include specific provisions about safety, proximity, and harassment. Given the behavior described, the court may be willing to add specific language to prevent your ex from continuing to harass you or infringe on your privacy. If the private investigator's actions are in violation of the restraining order, this could provide additional grounds for legal action.
To protect yourself from further intrusion, you can request that the court impose stricter measures, such as a no-contact order, or take legal action to stop the surveillance. Make sure to save all evidence of the harassment, including text messages and footage, as they may be important for your case. Your attorney can help you navigate these steps to ensure that your safety is prioritized.
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